President Toqayev and EU Commissioner Síkela Discuss Strengthening Ties

Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev met with Josef Síkela, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation, to discuss expanding the partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union, Orda.kz reports.

During the meeting, Toqayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s role as a key EU partner in Central Asia, emphasizing that the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides a strong foundation for further collaboration:

Kazakhstan remains a key partner of the European Union in Central Asia, and the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement creates a solid basis for deepening our multifaceted cooperation,
  said the Head of State.

Síkela underscored the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region, stating:

This is my first major mission as Commissioner for International Partnerships. It is no coincidence that I have decided to visit all five Central Asian countries. This clearly demonstrates the European Union's intention to ensure deeper and more sustainable engagement with Kazakhstan and other states in the region.

The discussions covered ongoing joint projects and opportunities for cooperation in transport, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to coordinating positions on the international stage.

It was previously reported that Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and EU Commissioner Josef Síkela signed a €3 million agreement, further strengthening economic cooperation between the two partners.
 
Original Author: Artyom Volkov